LSEM is the first program in the State of Michigan to begin a specialty in economic development. In the era of welfare reform, economic development for the poor becomes a key factor. This is the equivalent of a business lawyer working for poor persons. LSEM has created three positions specializing in economic development.
Water Edge Crossings Housing Development
The north end of Flint is a racially impacted area consisting of dilapidated housing. The need for adequate and affordable housing has been reaffirmed by every housing study conducted in the area. LSEM began a process of pulling together partners to create low income housing within the area. After two years of advocacy with the City of Flint, the Flint Housing Commission, local foundations, community groups, politicians, and local non-profits, LSEM was able to obtain 110 acres of riverfront property for a low-income housing development. Instead of representing tenants in sub-standard housing that they cannot afford, the firm is moving toward creating safe, affordable housing, on a pristine section of prime riverfront property.
No individual client or client group suggested the establishment of a riverfront housing development. However, there was documented evidence of a need for the low-income community, and LSEM responded to it by developing a viable solution.
LSEM helped in the formation of a non-profit organization, Water Edge Crossings, to act as one of the major players in planning the 400-unit housing development. It is this non-profit corporation that will receive the acreage upon which the development will be established. Several members of the client community serve on that corporate board.
Retail Development
Within the same 110 acres of land, LSEM is also dedicating space for a retail development. This will provide services long absent from the north end of Flint. Within an eight-mile radius, there are no grocery stores, laundromats, fast food establishments, or pharmacies. This is true even though the area borders the premier park in the county. No client or client group came to LSEM suggesting the need for a retail development on the north end of Flint. The need was obvious by looking at marketing studies which indicated a huge demand that these services be made available to the over 30,000 low-income persons who live in the area. The entire 110-acre parcel is designated as a federal empowerment zone. Ten to fifteen acres of the development tract will be dedicated to this retail development. Some retail establishments have already shown interest in being part of this creation of a new community. As other retail businesses become involved employment opportunities for the area's low-income population will also increase.
Child Care Centers
In needs studies assessing the needs of low-income persons, one of the greatest needs identified for LSEM's client community is affordable childcare. Many studies document inadequate childcare as a major impediment to full employment. However, no client ever complains about the lack of accessible childcare as a legal problem.
Since childcare is not a service LSEM can offer, the firm responded to this community need for affordable childcare by partnering with other community agencies and funders. LSEM is working with the Flint Housing Commission, HUD, 4C's, and Capital Community Development Corporation to establish a center on site in public housing. In Saginaw the Childcare Network was formed with partners such as Michigan State University Cooperative Extension (MSU), the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, the Skillman Foundation, the Wick's Foundation, and the Saginaw Community Foundation to create 26 childcare centers for low-income people. All centers offer both childcare and job opportunities that give hiring and training preference to the poor. MSU's year-end project report estimates that these 26 centers generated $1,000,000 in new income. Once funded and established, LSEM assists the low-income operators of these centers with zoning, incorporation, taxes and similar legal problems.
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